Our booking policy is flexible, so don't worry if these details change. Our chef services are available in 

, though many Culinista® chefs are happy to travel. For services outside of these areas, 

Please enjoy $100 off gatherings of 12 people or more. Discount automatically applied. 

Gatherings

Meal Prep

A Season or Long Term

Cooking Classes

Chef Services Overview

The Culinistas is a resource that gives everyone the freedom and confidence to connect around a meal.

Our optional drinks service includes up to 2 drinks plus waitstaff who will arrive 1 hour before guests and provide 4 hours of service. Additional time will be billed at $60/hour. The Culinistas will provide ice and non-alcoholic ingredients. The host is responsible for providing alcohol.

Dairy

Eggs

Fish

Shellfish

Nuts

Gluten

Pork

Sesame

Beef

Alliums

Gail Simmons

Top Chef

Dana Cowin

Food & Wine

Gwyneth Paltrow

Goop

Serving Platters & Bowls, corresponding to number of dishes and accompaniments.

Remember small dishes for sauces, dips, and spreads.

Serving Utensils, corresponding to number of dishes.

Remember small utensils for sauces, dips, and spreads.

Tablewares (Tablecloth, Placemats, Napkins)

Dishware (Salad Plates, Dinner Plates, Dessert Plates), corresponding to number of guests and courses.

Flatware, corresponding to number of guests and courses.

Grain-based salads are best if eaten at room temperature, but are also wonderful hot or cold

Meat dishes are prepared medium-rare, poultry dishes are fully cooked through, with sauce on the side

Oven: Transfer meat/poultry/fish and sauce in a covered oven-safe containers or wrapped in aluminum foil @ 375°F for 5-15 minutes depending on desired temperature and doneness

Stove: Reheat sauce over low heat, stirring every 30 seconds until heated to your desired temperature; pour over room temperature meat/poultry/fish

Pasta dishes are prepared al dente and soften in their sauces over time

Pasta dishes are best at room temperature or cold

Stove: Heat in pan over medium heat, adding water as needed so the sauce doesn’t reduce

Microwave: Partially cover the vessel and stir every 30 seconds

Cleaned base greens and salad accoutrements will be packaged separately; toss together in a medium to large bowl and add dressing to taste

Allow sauces, dressings, and vinaigrettes to come to room temperature so they can loosen

Cookies, brownies, bars & scones best eaten at room temperature

Muffins & load breads are best eaten at room temperature or reheated slightly

Slice, spread with butter or coconut oil, and toast butter side down on skillet over medium heat until golden brown

Fruit salads best eaten cold or at room temperature

Glassware (Wine, Cocktail, Rocks, Flutes, etc.)

Hearty vegetable salads are best if eaten at room temperature, but are also wonderful hot or cold

Oven: Transfer into a heatproof vessel @ 350°F until warmed through (5-10 minutes)

Our favorite full set of baking sheets & pans: 

All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Bakeware Set

 OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set

OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set

Make sure the size you order fits in your oven!

All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

Stove Top: Reheat over low heat, stirring every 30 seconds until heated to your desired temperature (4-8 minutes)

Reheating Guide

Equipment

Before your service, please read these helpful tips:

Empty the dishwasher and clear out the sink before the chef arrives.

Make sure you have olive oil, salt, pepper, tin foil & parchment paper for cooking. Plus, soaps, dish rags, trash bags, and a broom for clean up.

Double check our equipment list below, and make sure your kitchen is stocked.

Confirm that stove burners, oven, broiler, and dishwasher work; if something doesn't work, please let us know in advance.

Make sure someone is home to let in the chef at their scheduled time of arrival or that kitchen is accessible without guidance.

Familiarize your chef with the home (shoe policy, smoke alarms, pets, trash, recycling, wash rooms, etc.)

Leave fridge space for groceries, dishes and/or leftovers.

Communicate with your chef about children and furry friends' kitchen rules.

If your service was exceptional and you'd like to tip above the included 20% gratuity, please do so in cash.

Friendly Reminder for Weekly Meal Prep: Your chef(s) are there to cook for you, not set the table or serve you. 

Best Practices

Low Carb

Low Sugar

High Protein

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Low Fat

High Fat

Meatballs Marinara

Paloma

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

The Big Green Salad

Fall & Winter Sangria Bar

Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Blanc de Blancs

Fall & Winter Sangria Bar (Special Occasion)

Spring Sangria Bar (Special Occasion)

Summer Sangria Bar (Special Occasion)

Leafy Greens with Radishes

Tequila Bar

Cornbread Stuffing ($)

Pan Gravy

Brussels & Pancetta

Mashed Potatoes ($)

Potato Gratin

Arranged Crudités

Bread for the Table

Chocolate Covered Fruits & Nuts

Dried Fruits & Toasted Nuts

Marinated Mediterranean Classics

Pickled Vegetables & Mustard

Seasonal Fruit

Selection of Tinned Fish

Selection of Cheese

Selection of Charcuterie

White Beans & Chorizo

Citrus Cilantro Carrots

Breakfast Burritos

Black Bean Dip & Pico de Gallo

Sautéed Greens

Currant & Hazelnut Brussels Sprouts

Crimson Quinoa

Butternut Soup

Cauliflower Mac & Cheddar

Cranberry Sauce

Sourdough Stuffing

Balsamic Green Beans

Autumn Burrata Bar ($)

Seared Tuna with Radish & Avocado Slaw ($)

Charcuterie & Cheese Board ($)

Pineapple & Persimmons

Baby Kale Salad

Chocolate Torte with Ice Cream

Banana Cake

Green Chili Steak

Berry Bowl

Scallop & Cucumber Aguachile

RGC (Roasted Garlic Chicken)

Spicy Wild Rice & Beans

Chocolate Pudding

Big Brood

Call Her Ginger

Devils On Horseback

Charred Peppers

Apple Ricotta Toast

Tuna Tapenade

Marinated Olives & Spiced Nuts

Fish Tacos

Spicy Guacamole with Corn Chips & Crudités

Apple Toddy

Collard Greens Cornbread

Cranberry Cornbread

Chile Rellenos

Carnitas Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa

Oyster Mushroom Tinga  ($)

Chile Colorado

Arroz Mexicano

Cauliflower al Pastor 

Creamed Kale 

Morning Glories

Pears with Prosciutto & Bleu Cheese

Smoked Trout Petals

Truffled Mousse & Pear Crostini

Marinated Anchovy Crostini

Mushroom Pâté Cracker

Chicken Liver Mousse & Jam

Gorgonzola Grapes

Parsnips & Potatoes with Bacon

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Winter Vegetable Cobb

Roasted Roots

Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Beets & Sweets Gratin

Work Wife

Spinach & Beet Salad

White Fish & Squash Ceviche

Peppadew Mac & Cheddar

Roasted Turkey   ($)

Pan con Tomate

Sweet Potato Hummus & Cruditès

Garlic Confit Red Potatoes

Hasselback Butternut Squash

Charred Cabbage Gratin

Tinned Fish Board ($)

Roasted Mushrooms

Shaved Celery Salad

Golden Hour Sangria ($)

Scarlet Sangria

Tequila Shrimp Salad ($)

Green Chicken Enchiladas

Red Veggie Enchiladas

Power Green Salad

Sticky Salmon & Broccolini

Zucchini Nuggets

G & T Bar

Gatherings start at $500 (based on guest count) plus groceries, sales tax and a $15 travel reimbursement. We automatically add 20% chef gratuity to all gatherings (i.e. $100 for $500 base rate).

Our chef services are available in the NYC metro area, the Hamptons, LA, SF, the DC metro area, Austin, Miami and Palm Beach, though many Culinista® chefs are happy to travel. For services outside of these areas, 

Yes! Your Culinista chef will plate and serve your meal. If your gathering requires additional waitstaff, we’ll staff a reliable server from our trusted network.

, telling us the details of your gathering and your preferred menu, and we’ll match you with the ideal Culinista chef. Your Culinista chef will arrive with groceries and handle the prep, cooking, serving, and clean up while you enjoy time with your guests.

If your gathering requires an extra set of hands, we’ll staff a reliable server or bartender from our Culinista network. We do not coordinate rentals or decor but can connect you with vetted vendors if you need additional support.

Certain ingredients in these dishes may make them more costly—and increase your total grocery bill—so we wanted to let you know. 

Prior to cooking, toasting grains helps to intensify its flavor

Boost Your Grains

All cooked in one vessel, efficient with minimal clean up

One Pot Wonder

Nut + herb + citrus + olive oil, all you need for a perfect pesto

Pesto Equation

All great dishes start with an aromatic base to develop flavor

Build A Foundation

A dish that alchemizes three bold and distinct flavors to hit sweet, sour, savory, salty, and bitter notes

Día de los Muertos

To Start

Scallop & Cucumber Aguachile

Spicy Guacamole with Corn Chips & Crudités

Family Style

Ensalada Verde

Green Chili Steak

Oyster Mushroom Tinga

Citrus Cilantro Carrots

Spicy Wild Rice & Beans

Dessert

Mexican Chocolate Torte with Ice Cream

Pineapple & Persimmons

Drinks

Tequila Bar

Spicy Cucumber Margarita